FAQs

Vietnam offers a different riding experience in every season:

• Spring (February–April): One of the best periods for riding, especially in Northern Vietnam. The mountains are lush green, with pleasant temperatures and clear scenery.
• Summer & Rainy Season (May–August): Warm and humid, with frequent rain. The landscapes are exceptionally green, but riders should be prepared for changing weather and wet roads.
• Rice Harvest Season (September–October): A spectacular time to ride in the northern mountains. Rice terraces turn golden, creating some of Vietnam’s most impressive mountain scenery.
• Winter (November–early February): Cooler and often misty in the north, particularly near the Chinese border. Temperatures can range from around 15–25°C, with colder conditions at higher elevations.

For the best overall riding conditions, March and November is the best for weather and sceneries. You should book your Motorcycle Tour with The IA early.

Traffic in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City can be busy, but speeds are generally low. With the right riding technique and by going with the flow, it is manageable.

Outside the major cities, traffic is much lighter. The IA tours are led by experienced local guides who know the roads, local traffic patterns, and riding conditions. We can manage all riders’ skills from beginner to pro rider with many kinds of terrain. That make your trip better, enjoy mountain roads, backroads and scenic routes to avoid congested areas and make the ride safer and more enjoyable.

It depends on your nationality and length of stay. Citizens of certain countries can enter Vietnam without a visa for a limited period, while other travelers must obtain a visa before arrival.

If a visa is required, Vietnam offers an e-Visa for eligible travelers. We recommend checking the latest visa requirements for your nationality before traveling.

The best tour depends on your riding experience, preferred terrain, motorcycle choice, and how much time you have.

If you enjoy technical trails and dirt roads, our Offroad Tours are the best choice. If you prefer longer distances, scenic mountain roads, and larger adventure motorcycles, our Bigbike Adventure Tours may suit you better. Contact us with your riding experience and we will help you choose the right tour.

• Offroad Tours: Focus more on dirt tracks, trails, backroads, and technical terrain, mainly using lightweight motorcycles such as the Honda CRF300L.
• Bigbike Adventure Tours: Focus more on longer-distance riding, mountain passes, and scenic roads using larger adventure motorcycles such as the Honda CB500X, Yamaha Tenere 700, and BMW GS 1250.

Both tour styles include experienced local guides and are designed around the terrain and riding conditions of each route.

The difficulty depends on the route, terrain, and weather conditions. Some tours offer relaxed scenic riding, while our more challenging Offroad Tours may include dirt tracks, rocks, mud, steep climbs, and narrow mountain trails.

Tell us about your riding experience and we will recommend a tour that matches your skill level.

For our more technical Offroad Tours, previous off-road riding experience is strongly recommended. Riders should be comfortable handling a motorcycle on dirt, gravel, mud, and uneven terrain.

If you have limited off-road experience, we can recommend easier routes with more paved roads and manageable backroads.

Yes, depending on the tour. Riders with basic motorcycle experience can join selected easier routes.

However, our more technical Offroad Tours require stronger riding skills. Please tell us honestly about your experience so we can recommend a safe and enjoyable route for you.

We recommend booking 4–6 months in advance. As a specialized adventure motorcycle operator, The IA has a limited number of premium bikes, such as the Honda CRF300L and BMW GS 1250, all under 4 years old, and experienced English-speaking guides.

Booking early gives you the best chance of securing your preferred dates, motorcycle and best service.

• Scheduled tours require a minimum of 2 riders to operate. If you’re traveling alone, we’ll usually match you with an existing group.
• If no suitable group is available, we can place you on a waiting list and open the departure for other riders to join.
• If you prefer not to wait—or no additional riders join—you can still book a private tour for one rider, subject to a solo rider surcharge.

We keep our groups small to ensure maximum safety and personalized attention.

• Scheduled Tours: A minimum of 2 riders is required for a scheduled departure to operate. Solo travelers are welcome and can usually join an existing group, making it easy to participate without booking a private tour.
• Private Tours: We can organize a private tour for just 1 rider, giving you complete flexibility over your travel experience. Please note that a solo rider surcharge may apply.
• Tour Guide: Groups of 1–5 riders are accompanied by a professional English-speaking guide, who will lead the tour and provide assistance throughout the journey.
• Support Team: For groups of 6 riders or more, a dedicated mechanic and a 4×4 support vehicle are included to carry luggage, provide technical assistance, and ensure the trip runs smoothly.
• Maximum Group Size: To maintain safety and the quality of our off-road adventures, we limit the size of our standard tour groups. Larger private groups can be arranged with at least six months’ advance notice.

Don’t worry about that. We will arrange this for you and find a local rider with a wealth of experience, and you can sit behind as a pillion passenger. All our bikes have footpegs so you will feel comfortable on them. However, an additional cost will have to be paid for this person.

That depends on which part do we tour:

• Northern Vietnam Loops: If we ride up north, a distance of approximately 150–200 kms or 4–6 hours of riding is normal for trip lengths of 2 to 13 days. This includes 14-day itineraries to discover destinations such as Sapa, Ha Giang, Ban Gioc waterfall, Cao Bang, Ba Be lake, etc.
• Ho Chi Minh Trail Tours: Provides longer distances of 200–300 kms or 5–7 hours per day of riding with trip lengths of 8 to 16 days (depending whether the tour ends in Hoi An or Ho Chi Minh City).
• Note: The roads in Vietnam are narrow, busy, and very twisty; average speeds are 40–60kmh. A 350km stretch is a LONG day in Vietnam. We schedule our rides to be safe and take time to enjoy the culture and amazing places along the routes.

Yes! Indochina Adventure (The IA) specializes in multi-day, cross-border tours covering Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and More. We handle all cross-border customs, vehicle permits, and logistics. Please note that IA is not responsible for sudden itinerary changes or cancellations caused by government actions or border closures, though alternative routing or rescheduling will be offered where possible.

We offer a balanced mix of accommodations based on your tour package:

• Hotels: Clean, comfortable 3-4-star hotels with standard amenities (hot water, Wi-Fi, comfortable beds) in main towns and cities.
• Homestays: Certified local stilt houses in remote mountain villages. They offer authentic cultural experiences and include private mats, blankets, mosquito nets, fans, and clean western-style toilets. And sure, it’s best in areas and exactly know how to serve riders

Your safety is our absolute priority. The IA tour guide retains full discretion and authority regarding daily routes, schedules, and itinerary adjustments due to weather, road conditions, or safety concerns. Operating a motorcycle under the influence of alcohol or stimulants is strictly prohibited, and our guides reserve the right to terminate services without refund for unsafe conduct.

The IA specializes in small-group motorcycle adventures designed to take you beyond the usual tourist routes, from technical off-road riding to Bigbike and cross-border expeditions.

With well-maintained motorcycles, experienced English-speaking local guides, and dedicated support throughout the journey, we focus on riding quality, personalized service, and authentic local experiences across Vietnam and Indochina.

Riding in Vietnam can be challenging due to unfamiliar traffic, changing road conditions, and remote mountain terrain.

With a Guided Tour, our experienced local guides take care of navigation and daily logistics, while our team handles motorcycle maintenance and repairs along the way. This allows you to focus on the ride and experience Vietnam with greater confidence.

The IA combines small-group riding, personalized service, well-maintained motorcycles, and carefully selected routes that go beyond the usual tourist paths.

Our experienced local guides know the terrain firsthand, allowing us to deliver authentic motorcycle adventures with dedicated support throughout the journey.

Yes. Experienced riders can choose more challenging routes featuring technical trails, remote mountain roads, dirt tracks, and longer multi-day expeditions.

Let us know your riding experience and preferences, and we can recommend a route with a suitable level of challenge.

Yes. Our guided tours are suitable for first-time visitors who want to explore Vietnam by motorcycle with the support of an experienced local team.

Our guides take care of navigation and daily logistics while helping you discover the landscapes, culture, food, and local communities along the journey.

Our tours are designed to provide a genuine insight into Vietnam beyond the main tourist destinations, with routes through remote villages, mountain communities, local markets, and rural regions.

Along the journey, riders have opportunities to experience local culture, cuisine, landscapes, and everyday life, creating a deeper connection with the places and communities they visit.

Whenever possible, yes. We prefer scenic mountain roads, backroads, trails, and less-traveled routes instead of spending the journey on busy main roads.

Some main-road sections may be necessary to connect destinations, but our routes are designed to maximize scenic and interesting riding wherever possible.

It depends on the itinerary and riding route. Many of our tours are designed to spend much of the journey on backroads and through rural or remote areas away from the main tourist routes.

We balance these less-traveled areas with selected destinations and cultural highlights along the way.

Both scheduled group tours and private tours are available.

Scheduled tours require a minimum of two riders, while private tours can be arranged for solo riders, with a solo rider surcharge applying where applicable. Larger private groups can also be accommodated with sufficient advance notice.

We intentionally keep our standard groups small to provide greater personal attention and a better-managed riding experience.

Our routes are designed around the quality of the riding experience, combining carefully selected roads and trails with opportunities to discover Vietnam beyond the usual tourist routes.

Depending on the itinerary, riders may experience scenic mountain roads, remote backroads, dirt tracks, and technical trails, together with the landscapes, culture, cuisine, and local communities that make each region unique.

Yes. Our tours are led by experienced English-speaking local guides with extensive knowledge of Vietnam’s roads, terrain, traffic conditions, and riding environments.

Beyond leading the ride, they coordinate the day-to-day journey and adapt the route or schedule when necessary due to weather, road conditions, or safety considerations.

Yes. The IA operates as a registered tour company in Vietnam and holds an International Tour Operator License.

The IA is based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, while our motorcycle tours operate across different regions throughout the country.

Depending on the itinerary, tours may start and finish in different locations. Our team will provide the confirmed meeting point, departure location, and any necessary transfer arrangements before your tour begins.

The IA brings over 15 years of experience organizing and leading motorcycle adventures across Vietnam. Our local team has extensive experience riding and guiding throughout the country, from remote mountain regions to cross-country routes.

Yes, but only as part of an organized cross-border tour with The IA.

Cross-border motorcycle travel requires specific vehicle permits, customs procedures, and logistics that must be arranged in advance.

No. Vietnamese rental motorcycles cannot be taken independently across international borders.

Cross-border riding is only available through our organized tours where the required vehicle permits and customs arrangements have been prepared in advance.

Requirements vary depending on the country and border crossing. You will generally need your passport, the appropriate visas, your valid driving license and IDP, along with the required motorcycle and customs documents.

The IA will advise you of the specific requirements for your tour before departure.

The IA handles the required cross-border vehicle permits, customs procedures, and motorcycle logistics for our organized cross-border tours.

You are responsible for ensuring that your passport and personal visas meet the entry requirements of each country.

Normally, it takes 1-2hours. Border-crossing times vary depending on immigration, customs procedures, traffic, and the checkpoint being used.

We include sufficient time in the itinerary and our team will assist with the process to make the crossing as smooth as possible.

No. A Vietnam visa is valid only for Vietnam and cannot be used to enter Laos or Cambodia. Each country has its own visa and entry requirements.

It depends on your nationality. Laos and Cambodia have their own visa and entry requirements, separate from Vietnam.

We can provide guidance on the visa requirements for your itinerary and help you understand what you need to prepare before the tour. However, each traveler is responsible for obtaining the appropriate visas for the countries they will visit.

For the cross-border journey itself, The IA handles the necessary customs procedures, vehicle permits, and tour logistics to make the border-crossing process as smooth as possible.

Border crossing times can vary due to immigration procedures, customs checks, or other circumstances at the border. If a delay occurs, our team will assist with the necessary procedures and adjust the itinerary accordingly.

In the event of government actions or border closures, The IA will arrange alternative routing or offer rescheduling where possible. Please note that The IA is not responsible for itinerary changes or cancellations caused by these circumstances.

We offer a wide range of motorcycles to suit different riding styles and terrains:

• Dirtbike / Offroad: Honda CRF250L, Honda CRF300L, Honda CRF300 Rally, and Yamaha WR155.
• Bigbike Adventure: Honda CB500X, Yamaha Tenere 700, Kove 800X, BMW R1200 GS, BMW R1250 GSA, and BMW R1300 GS.

The motorcycle options available may vary depending on the tour, terrain, rider experience, and bike availability.

Yes. Depending on availability and the type of tour, you can request a different motorcycle.

Please let us know your preferred bike when booking so we can confirm whether it is suitable for your selected route.

Yes. After every single tour, whether it is a 3-day or 30-day trip, our motorcycles are inspected and maintained before the next departure.

This ensures the bikes are returned to the best possible condition for the next riders.

For groups of 6 riders or more, a dedicated mechanic and 4×4 support vehicle are included to carry luggage, provide technical assistance, and support the group throughout the journey.

For smaller groups, please contact us if you would like to arrange additional support.

Yes. We keep backup motorcycles at our garage. If a major mechanical issue cannot be repaired promptly during the tour, our team will arrange a replacement motorcycle where possible to minimize disruption to the itinerary.

Yes. You can rent a motorcycle without joining a guided tour, subject to bike availability, license requirements, and our rental conditions.

For Self-Guided Rentals, some basic knowledge of roadside motorcycle maintenance is recommended in case of minor issues during the journey.

The start and finish locations vary depending on the route and itinerary of each tour. Before departure, The IA will provide you with the confirmed start and finish locations, meeting point, meeting time, and any necessary transfer arrangements.

If your tour starts and finishes in different locations, our team will provide the relevant logistical information in advance so you can plan your arrival and onward travel accordingly.

Yes. Airport Pickup & Drop Off are included in our motorcycle tour packages. Please send us your flight details in advance so our team can arrange your transfer.

Yes. We recommend arriving at least one day before your tour starts. This gives you time to rest after your flight, meet our team, prepare your gear, and get ready for the journey.

Yes. Hotel accommodation before and after the tour is included in our tour package. If you would like to stay additional nights, please let us know and we can help arrange them for you.

If you are arriving by air, we can arrange your included airport pickup. If you are already in Vietnam, our team will send you the exact meeting location and instructions before your tour.

You can safely leave any luggage you do not need during the ride at our head office. For groups traveling with a support vehicle, your luggage can also be carried by the support team while you keep only your daily essentials with you.

Yes. If your itinerary requires a domestic flight, our team can assist you with the necessary travel arrangements.

Domestic flight costs are not included in the standard tour price unless specifically stated in your tour package.

We can provide general information and guidance about Vietnam visa requirements. However, each traveler is responsible for obtaining the correct visa before traveling.

Please contact us as soon as possible if your flight is delayed. We will do our best to adjust your airport pickup and tour arrangements where possible.

Please note that The IA is not responsible for flight delays or schedule changes, and refunds cannot be provided for delays affecting your tour.

Contact us with your preferred tour, travel dates, number of riders, and riding experience. Our team will check availability and provide you with the booking and payment details.

To confirm your booking, a USD 500 security deposit per participant is required.

Your booking will be confirmed once we receive the required USD 500 security deposit per participant.

We accept several payment methods, including credit card, bank transfer, and cash. Our team will provide the appropriate payment instructions when you make your booking.

Yes. Credit card payments are accepted. Any applicable processing fees will be advised before payment.

Yes. You can pay by bank transfer using the payment details provided by The IA.

Yes. Cash payments can be accepted. Please confirm the accepted currency and payment arrangements with our team in advance.

Payment processing or bank fees may apply depending on the payment method. Any applicable fees will be clearly advised before payment.

The remaining balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the scheduled departure date.

Failure to pay within this timeframe may result in the cancellation of your reservation.

Yes. If you need to make changes to your booking after paying the deposit, please contact us as early as possible so our team can assist you with the available options.

Yes. Please contact us in advance if you need to transfer your booking to another person, and our team will assist you with the process.

If you need to postpone your tour, please contact us as early as possible. Our team will assist you in moving your booking to an alternative departure date based on your travel plans and available tour dates.

Your original deposit can be applied to the alternative booking. Any changes will be arranged based on availability and the details of your original booking.

If The IA needs to cancel a tour, we will notify you as soon as possible and assist with rescheduling or other suitable arrangements.

If the cancellation is caused by circumstances beyond our control, such as government actions or border closures, we will provide alternative routing or reschedule the tour whenever feasible.

Your safety is our priority. The Tour Guide has full authority to adjust the route, schedule, or itinerary based on weather, road conditions, or other safety concerns.

When necessary, the itinerary may be modified to ensure the safety of the group. Please note that refunds cannot be provided due to unfavorable weather conditions.

No. We clearly state what is included and excluded in the tour price before you book.

Personal expenses, alcohol, personal insurance, riding gear unless otherwise specified, and motorcycle damages are not included.

No. Tips are not included in the tour price and are completely optional.

If you are happy with the service provided by your guide, mechanic, or support team, gratuities are always appreciated.

Our motorcycle tours are All-inclusive. The price includes:

• Motorbike – Gasoline
• English-speaking guide
• All meals, water, and soft drinks on tour
• Accommodation in local homestays and 3-4 stars hotels (twin share)
• Mechanic (free for groups from 5 riders)
• Straps and Water
• Permits, tolls, and ferry fees
• Airport Pickup & Drop Off
• Hotel before and after the Tour

The following costs are not covered by the tour price:

• Motorbike Damages
• Riding Gears – Helmets – Gloves (unless booked with a specific guided package)
• Shopping & Personal Expenses (e.g., Laundry)
• Personal Insurance
• Beers & Alcoholic beverages

Since our tours cover almost everything, you will only need money for alcohol and personal purchases. Just as a rule of thumb, our experience has shown that you should carry approximately $100 to $200 US or the equivalent in Vietnam Dong. This is used mainly for your own personal souvenir shopping and alcoholic beverages. Bring more if you are big drinkers.

To confirm your booking, a security deposit of USD 500 per participant is required. Deposits are non-refundable, non-transferable, and CAN be applied to alternative bookings.

Please read more here: HOW TO PAY DEPOSIT

The remaining balance must be settled no later than forty-five (45) days before the scheduled departure date. Failure to pay within this timeframe may result in the cancellation of your reservation.

All cancellations must be submitted in writing. Cancellation fees apply from the date of final payment up to 30 days prior to departure. Cancellations made less than 30 days before the tour are completely non-refundable. Note: Refunds cannot be provided due to unfavorable weather conditions, flight delays, or personal circumstances.

To legally drive in Vietnam, you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) from the 1968 Vienna Convention, along with your valid national driver’s license, as Vietnam is a signatory to this convention.

• CRITICAL NOTE: Vietnam does not accept International Driving Permits (IDP) from the 1949 Geneva Convention and Driving Permits issued by the International Automobile Association (IAA).
• License Conversion: There is no way for all riders to convert their home-country licenses to a local Vietnamese license.

This is the most important insurance that we recommend all riders to Vietnam purchase. It covers you when you have accidents and get injured. Luckily, you can buy this personal medical insurance policy from companies like Allianz, CHI, or World Nomads, or on the Lonely Planet website. They only request your country or international motorbike license. In this case, you will be fully covered if something happens.

• For Guided Tours: We might have protection gears fitting your size. but we recommend you bring your own.
• For Motorcycle Rentals: We might have protection gears fitting your size. but we recommend you bring your own.

Because we ride high-capacity dual-sport bikes on challenging terrains, all riders must have an INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMIT 1968 & your home local licence.

• What to bring: Personal belongings, lightweight raincoats, offroad riding boots, and any personal medication. Keep your main luggage light; extra bags can be stored safely at our head office or loaded onto the support vehicle.
• Mechanical skills: If you are on a Guided Tour, our tour guides and accompanying mechanics will handle 100% of the bike maintenance, tire punctures, and repairs. If you are doing a Self-Guided Rental, basic roadside maintenance skills (like adjusting a chain or fixing a flat tire) are highly recommended.

• Normal Wear & Tear: Minor scratches, insect marks, gravel chips, and minor paint blemishes are excluded from any charges.
• Accidental Damage: You are responsible for accidental damage up to USD 2,000 if deemed at fault (including crashes, dumping, flooding, or off-road impact).
• Excess Reduction Policy (ERP): You can reduce your maximum damage liability from USD 2,000 down to USD 200 by purchasing our ERP for USD 30 per day. Note: ERP must be purchased prior to the tour and cannot be added after departure.

You will be provided with a verified copy of the vehicle’s registration certificate (commonly known as the Blue Card) to present to the local traffic police if required, along with a clear, legally binding motorcycle rental contract.

Yes, we organize dedicated 4×4 self-drive and guided expeditions across Vietnam and neighboring countries. All drivers must hold a valid international driving license suitable for passenger cars/SUVs and demonstrate sufficient driving experience on off-road or mountainous terrains.

Our 4×4 vehicles include third-party insurance coverage up to USD 5,000, subject to a USD 500 excess for third-party claims. Similar to our motorcycle policy, renters are liable for accidental or off-road impact damages up to the specified category limits if deemed at fault.